What Are The Best Handguns For Concealed Carry?
With so many new gun owners out, the question of the which are the best handguns for concealed carry is asked quite often. But, mention what you think are the best handguns for concealed carry and you’re sure to start a lively debate. So, let’s do that.
The trouble as I see it, is that there’s a tendency to be more concerned with the “carry” part of the equation without considering what would happen if you actually had to draw and fire a handgun. I’m going to advocate what is unthinkable to many these days and say that the best all-around guns for concealed carry are mid-size handguns. These are the models that normally are called “compact” by many manufacturers because they’re slightly smaller than their full-size service pistols.
Here’s What I Have In Mind For Best Handguns
What am I talking about specifically? I talking about guns such as the Glock 19, FN 509 Midsize MRD, Oriskany Arms 425FP (Commander-sized) 1911, Ruger American Compact and the Smith & Wesson Model 66 Combat Magnum revolver.
Don’t be distressed if your handgun isn’t on this short list. I’m just referencing guns that are in front of me at this moment to give you an idea of the size range I have in mind. Most handgun manufacturers offer good, mid-size handguns.
Why Choose A Mid-Size Handgun?
There are several advantages for handguns in this size range.
First, handguns this size are generally more controllable with less felt recoil. Unless you have huge mitts, you can get a full grip on the gun, which also translates to better handling characteristics.
Under stress, a mid-size handgun is usually easier to manipulate during speed reloads and stoppage clearing procedures. A mid-size handgun is often easier to draw from concealment too.
The larger size gives you a longer sight radius for improved practical accuracy and a longer barrel means slightly better velocities.
Expanding bullets commonly used for defense depend very much on velocity. So, I’ll take all I can get to help the bullet expand and still penetrate deep enough to be effective.
Mid-size Handguns Are More Versatile
In the remaining free states in this country, magazine capacity isn’t restricted. Normally, in a semi-auto pistol, you’ll have greater magazine capacity in a mid-size handgun. That’s not a big factor in most civilian-involved shootings, but capacity seems to be important to many people.
Mid-size handguns are generally more versatile. I spend lots of time in the woods. I carry a handgun as a sidekick to a rifle or shotgun.
And a mid-size gun that is also capable of taking down game is perfect for that. I can also shoot a mid-size handgun accurately at greater distances than I can with a pocket pistol. To me, that makes mid-size handguns more useful.
Why Are So Many Choosing Tiny Handguns?
A good many people choose their handguns for concealed carry based on convenience and not on their abilities with specific types of guns. They want something they can stick in a pocket and forget about. There are lots of excuses for not carrying a mid-size gun and lots of trying to justify the choice of a small handgun.
“I can’t conceal a mid-size gun.” Concealment isn’t a problem for most of the year in most of the country. In the hotter climate areas, maybe dressing to conceal a mid-size handgun takes a little more thought, but it doesn’t involve smoke and mirrors to accomplish. A slightly longer barrel inside the waistband isn’t a issue and where you position a handgun has much to do with preventing the grip from poking out. A good holster and a sturdy belt go a long way in offsetting the added weight of a mid-size handgun.
“Most defensive shootings occur at very close range.” If you’re going to depend on statistics, forget about a gun that you can shoot well beyond seven yards. Just hope for the best if a disgruntled worker opens fire at a job site, a wannabe jihadist starts shooting at your kid’s ball game or some crazy pulls a gun at the restaurant or shopping mall.
Don’t Make Excuses For Your Carry Gun?
“It’s shot placement that counts.” Great. Show me the tiny gun that you can shoot better than a mid-size one of the same type, firing the same cartridge. Need to prove it to yourself? Try entering an IDPA match or other shooting competition with your pocket pistol. The tiny gun’s limitations will be evident.
“A small gun you carry is better than a bigger one you leave at home.”
This one is used all of the time along with the ubiquitous, “advances in ammo technology” justification that suddenly has made all cartridges equal.
Well, there’s no need to leave the mid-size gun at home. And if you want a .25 or .380, go for it. I personally feel more confident in a 9mm, .357, 10mm or .45 (ACP or Colt.)
But Don’t Sell Your Small Guns
While I stand by my assertion that mid-size guns are the best handguns for concealed carry overall, I’m not going to sell my small guns. No gun is perfect for all situations. Small guns have specific roles at which they excel. I will continue to own, shoot and carry small guns too. But it’s mid-size handguns that I find more versatile and are not an issue to conceal with a little imagination. Most important, I shoot mid-size handguns better over a greater range of distances. Why would I trade that ability for something that merely fits better in a pocket?
Steven Paul Barlow is a retired sergeant/station commander and former firearms instructor with the New York State Police. He is an avid hunter, fisherman, and enthusiast with all things related to firearms, knives, and survival. He has been writing on outdoor topics for more than 35 years. His collections of outdoor humor stories are available at BriarHill Books.
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